'Inbetweeners' Star Simon Bird to Host British Independent Film Awards

The comedy actor says he was the obvious choice following his role in "experimental art house piece" 'The Inbetweeners 2'

Actor, writer and comedian Simon Bird, star of hit U.K. comedies The Inbetweeners and this year's sequel, The Inbetweeners 2, has been named as host of the upcoming 17th British Independent Film Awards.

"As star of experimental art house piece The Inbetweeners 2, I was the obvious choice to emcee this event celebrating cutting-edge independent cinema," joked Bird in a statement. "It’s been an outstanding year for British film, and I look forward to drinking champagne with the winners while half-heartedly consoling the other nominees."

The nominations, which were announced earlier in the week, see Yann Demange's debut feature ’71 lead the charge with nine nominations, followed by Pride with seven. Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jack O'Connell and Timothy Spall are also up for awards. The ceremony is set to take place in London on Dec 7.